Apparatus for cleaning containers



Jan. 11, 1938. LE BARON B. JOHNSON 2,105,458

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING CONTAINERS Filed Dec. 20, 1934 s Sheet-Sheet 1 arwc/wfm Le Baron BJohnSon Jan. 11, 1938. LE BARON B. JOHNSON 2,105,458

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING CONTAINERS Filed Dec. 20, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Le Baron BJohnSon Jan. 11, 1938. LE BARON B. JOHNSON 2,105,458

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING CONTAINERS Filed Dec. 20, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 r 2 W M Mm k W W n I w 5 M J o I. l 5 9 n V 0 h .2 8 0 0 V, 5 U 2 2 B H m B 6 e e 2 H L Ow w, e 2 0 2 28 m m. m e l o at sales ABIPAEAEUS FQPE'Z MEANWG @QNTMNSEES Enron ll.

York

Johnson, lsrormville, N. Y., asignor tcfiakite {Product line,

a corporation of New a istance December at, rose, Serial No. 153,511

33 Stating.

This invention relates to an improved appara tus for cleaning the inside surfaces of tanks, containers and the like.

More particularly it relates to a specific means 5 for removing from the interior surfaces of oil tanks and 'oil tank cars the heavy viscous deposits which form thereon after a period of usage.

Devices for cleaning the interior of oil tanks and tank cars and adapted for insertion in the opening in the tank have been known for some time. Some of these have been provided with rotating nozzles by means of which the cleaning fluid, usually kerosene, .is directed against the interior surfaces. The use of such known arrangements, however, has been accompanied by certain disadvantages. In the first place, they were adapted only for relatively small tanks and could not be used for cleaning stationary oil tanks-having a capacity or 5515M barrels and upwards. Moreover, the movement oi the nozzles in such arrangements was such that the paths of the streams projected therefrom overlapped and criss-cro'ssed in such a way as to spatter portionsof the dirt or viscous deposits back and forth over portions of the surface which had al ready been cleaned.

A further disadvantage present in the prior arrangement was the length of time required for cleaning and the necessary presence of skilled operators. Because oi the methods and appara tus used' it was not possible to effect a complete cleaning without the expenditure or considerable time and the use. of a considerable amount of cleaning fluid, and even though the rotation of *3 the nozzles was very rapid the cleaning was not efiicacious. Moreover, in devices provided with nozzles which rotated at high speeds the use ot' a lubricant has been necessary. Such arrangements consequently were not adapted to project a very hot cleaning solution since the heat of the solution would have a tendency to destroy the lubricant used and eventually result in in= jury to the device.

Prior art structures also presented other disadvantages not the least of which was lack of satisfactory means for quickly and securely clamping the cleaning units to the rim around the tank openings. Such devices embodied no eilicient means for compensating for tank openings oi different sizes and structures. The present invention provides a means for cleaning the interior of tanks of all sizes, and in such a way as to avoid all of the disadvantages present in prior known methods and apparatus.

According to the invention two streams of a hot cleaning solution are directed against the interior surfaces of a tank in such a way that two circular automatic movements are combined to cut a succession of parallel paths, the adjacent paths beingconnected by curved steps which extend at an obtuse angle relative to the parallel paths so that the continuous path is substantially spiral in appearance. In this way all portions of the tank are directly hit by the streams without crossing or complete overlapping. The gummy dirt or heavy viscous deposit on the interior of the tank being cleaned is r moved by being constantly pushed along in front of the stream. The movement is very slow and portions of the tank which have been cleaned are not again dirtied as would he the case-with streams which cross and overlap.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of surfaces of tanks of all sizes, completely, quickly and automatically. The turning of the nozzles in a circle about a vertical axis and the rotation of the nozzles at the same time but at greatly reduced speeds about this horizontal axis is entirely automatic.

The invention has for a further object the provision of means for efiectively cleaning the interior of tanks even with hot non-solvent cleaning solutions.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a light movable cleaning apparatus which may be easily and detachably mounted in tank cars having manhole covers of various sizes and shapes, or which may be transported toany portion of the interior of a large stationary oil tank by means of block and tackle. A further object of the invention is the provision of an arrangement in which the cleanin fluid passage is unobstructed except bytheturbine where a fiuidmotor is placed in the inlet passage, or which is totally unobstructed where the device is operated by a motor other than a'motor .of the fluid type.

Still a further object of the invention is the provision of a cleaning arrangement in which the stream movement progresses slowly and the dirt or heavy viscous deposit to be removed is driven in front thereof so as to effect a quicker and more complete cleaning. The invention thus provides means for turning'the nozzles about a horizontal axis during each revolution about their vertical axis by a distance not greater than the diameter of the streams issuing from the nozzles as these streams strike the surface to be cleaned. That is, each step by step movement of the noza means for cleaning the interior I represents a pole or support zles results in a movement of the striking area of the streams issuing therefrom a distance not greater than the diameter of said striking area and preferably a distance not quite as great as the diameter of the striking area.

' The invention has for a further object the provision of an arrangement which does not require the use of lubricants and therefore can handle a hot non-solvent cleaning solution which would tend to destroy lubricants or render them ineffective.

These and further objects will become more apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows one form of the invention being moved into position for use in a cleaning operation.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section I through the nozzle portion of the device.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the same.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the driving motor.

Figs. 5 and 6 are cross sections on the lines 5- 5 and-55 respectively of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of a modification of the device partially in cross section.

Fig. 8 is a front'elevation of the lower portion of the arrangement shown in Fig. 7, thenozzies having been turned 90 about a vertical axis from the position shown in Fig. 7, and

Fig. 9 isa side elevation of the modification of Figs. 7 and 8 illustrating the manner in which it may be inserted in the manhole of a tank car.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the reference numeralliaving mounted thereon an arm 2 adapted to swing in a horizontal plane out over a tank 'car 3 riding on tracks 4. Supported by this arm 2 by a block and tackle arrangement generally indicated by the reference numeral 5 is the cleaning unit A of time invention. The cleaning unit A may be raised or lowered by the block and tackle arrangement 5 so as to be inserted or withdrawn from the tank car. 6 is a flexible inflow hose connecting the cleaning unit A to the supply pipe I which leads to a source of cleaning fluid under pressure (not shown). A return flow flexible hose 8! is detachably connected to the tank car bottom to carry off the dirt and used cleaning solution. The used cleaning solution, if other than hot water, may be reclaimed and returned to the source of supply for further use.

In Fig. 2 which shows the cleaning unit A in greater detail, the reference numeral l3 represents a plate provided with a central circular opening II. The plate supports the housing I2 of a fluid motor, said housing having an inlet curved inwardly to the right to direct the incomvent possible leakage of the cleaning solution from the housing. The, other end of the shaft I8 is provided with a worm 20 which is adapted to turn agear 2| fixed on a vertically disposed shaft 22. Apertures are provided in the base of the housing I 2 and in the plate I0 to permit the shaft 22 to pass therethrough.

Depending from the lower surface of plate i0 is a second housing 23 which may be secured in place by any suitable means such as the bolts 24. The lower portion of the second housing 23 is provided with a central aperture 25 having a downwardly extending annular flange 26-. Reference numeral 21 indicates a gear provided with a central opening having upwardly and downwardly extending annular flanges 29. 30. The upwardly extending flange 29 is adapted to surround the depending annular portion it of the first housing 82. The downwardly depending flange 38 on the gear member 27 is provided with an annular ball race member 3|. Bali bearings 32 are disposed between this race member an and a second annular race member 33 mounted on the housin 23 about the opening 25 therein. The gear 211s thus supported from below by the housing 23.

' Secured to the central opening 28 of the gear member 21 and depending therefrom is a cylindrical tube 36. The gear member 21 is driven from a pinion 35 keyed or otherwise secured to the lower end of shaft 22.

From this description it will be apparent that when cleaning'fluid under pressure enters the inlet passage |3 of the housing l2 it ,will be directed by the vanes l5 in a clockwise movement against the rotatable blades 56 of the fluid turbine. As these vanes it are turned, the shaft i8 is consequently rotated. The worm gear 20 on the end of shaft l d turns the gear 2|, the shaft 22, and the pinion 35 on the lower'end of this shaft. Since the pinion 35 is connected with the gear 2i disposed within the second housing 23, this gear 21 is rotated about its vertical axis. In its rotation the gear 21 is guided by the upwardly extending annular flange 29 which concentrically surrounds the depending portion I4 on the first housing. The ball bearings 32 between the race members 3! and 33 facilitate this rotation. Since the jcylindrical tube'34 is secured to the walls of the central opening 28 in the gear member 21', the tube also will rotate. The lower portion of the tube 34 is surrolmded concentrically by a stationary ,cylindrical tube 36 which is secured to the walls of the downwardly depending annular flange .26 of the second housing 23.

Secured to the lower end of the cylindrical tube 34 is a male assembly B. The rotary motion transmitted to the cylindrical tube 84 is in turn transmitted to the nozzle assembly B so that this assembly rotates about the vertical central axis ofthe cylindrical'tube; Just'above the nozzle assembly B is a -sleevelike casting-'31 which is fitted over a collar or bushing 38 which in turn is secured to the stationary tube 36. The

sleeve-like casting 31 is slidable vertically on the collar or bushing 38.

The casting 31 is provided with an internally threaded bore 39 whichreceives the threaded end of a headed bolt 40. The collar 38 is provided with a laterally extending lug ll having an aperture therein in which the bolt 40 slides when the casting 31 is raised cr-lowered. The upward sliding movement of the casting 31, the purpose of which will be later described, is limited by a shoulder 42 on the collar 38, while the downward movement is limited by the head of the bolt iii when the head strikes the lug 6|.

The nozzle assembly B is in the form of an elbow and is secured to the lower end of the cylindrical tube 3 3. .Concentrically disposed on the horizontal portion d3 of the elbow so as to be rotatable thereon is a gear member M. This gear member has an integral portion 65 forming a nozzle hub and is locked on the horizontal portion of the assembly B by means of an annular ring d6 securedto the end of said horizontal portion d3 such as by bolts il. vThe nozzle hub portion 15 is provided with screw threaded aperture d8, d9, adapted to receive nozzles 50, 5t. It is also provided with a central aperture 52 whose axis is in alignment with the axis of horizontal portion 23-. This aperture 52 is screw threaded to receive a closure member 53. The gear dd, portion lis, nozzles 5c, 53, and closure 53 are all adapted to rotate as a unit about the horizontal I portion 13.

The vertically disposed portion 55 of the elbow is provided with a laterally extending member 55 having an aperture therein which rotatably receives a shaft 56. The upper end of the shaft has secured thereto a six toothed sprocket 51 while a worm gear 58 is secured to the shaft 55 near its lower end. The worm gear is operatively connected to the gear it. This is clearly shown in Fi 5.

Reference is now had to Fig. 6 which is a view on the line t56 of Fig. 2. From this figure and from Fig. 2 it will be apparent that the lower surface of the casting 31 is provided with an annular groove or race 55! which is of a width slightly greater than the diameter of anyone of the six teeth on the six toothed sprocket 51. Fig. 6 shows one of the teeth 60 of the sprocket disposedin the race or groove 5d. The reference numerals 6i and 52 indicate peripheral openings which areseparated by a web member 63 also shown in' Fig. 5. Asthe nozzle assembly B is rotated with the cylindrical tube 33 in-clockwise direction, a tooth 5d of the sprocket, for example, will strike the stationary web 83 to rotate partially the sprocket 5i and the shaft 56. The tooth 66 passes out through opening 8! and the next tooth M of the sprocket will enter the opening 62 'to be disposed in the race or groove 59. The

clockwise movement of the assembly 3 thus turns the sprocket and consequently the shaft 56 to which it is secured. vThis in turn causes the worm gear 58 to rotate the gear resulting in a step by step rotation of the nozzles about the axis of the horizontal portion 63.

The contact of the web 63 with the teeth oi the sprocket causes a rotation of the sprocket wheel and the shaft 56 to the extent of /6 of a revolution and this rotation of the sprocket wheel 5'! causes the worm gear 58 to'turn gear 56 about its horizontal axis.

The entire operation is automatic, and the speed ratio for proper and eflicient operation is very important. Every time the nozzle unit B revolves about the vertical axis of the cylindrical tube 34 the sprocket is turned 60. The speed reduction between the web 63 and the sprocket 31 as mentioned above is 6 to 1, and a further speed reduction of 50 to 1, is obtained by the worm 58 and the gear M. Thus the entire speed reduction is from 300 to 1. Therefore, every time the unit B turns once about the vertical axis of the cylindrical tube 34 the nozzles 50 and 5| turn 1/300 of a revolution about their horif zontal axis. While the rate of movement of the secured in apertures it! in the plate It).

nozzles about the horizontal axis is approximately 1/60 R. P. M.

For a clearer understanding of the operation oi? the device it is perhaps advisable to trace the travel of the infiowing cleaning solution. It enters the cleaning unit through the passage 13 in the housing i2 and after being guided by the stationary vanes B5 in 'a clockwise direction strikes the vanes iii-of the fluid turbine to rotate them. It then passes down through the depending annular flange i i of the housing, through the cylindrical tube 3d, into the nozzle assembly B, and the horizontal portion 33 thereof to the nozzle huh portion 45 and out through the nozzles 5i) and 5!. The cleaning fluid used may be of any type. Since the parts revolve so slowly no lubricant is required and it is possible to use in this arrangement an extremely hot cleaning solution of a non-solvent nature. It will be noted that in this embodiment of the invention the only obstructions in the passageway for the cleaning solution are the stationary vanes l5 and the rotating vanes iii, of the fluid turbine.

Aside from these the passageway for the fluid is free and of substantially equal cross sectional area so that the speed of the fluid is not reduced after leaving the turbine.

As previously stated, the casting 31 is slidable vertically. on the sleeve or collar 38 but within specified limits. When the casting is raised manually, its lowermost surface is raised above any of the teeth of the sprocket 5i.

adjustable means have been illustrated for at- Consequently the sprocket can be turned rapidly and the noztaching the arrangement securely to the rim of ,1

an opening in the tank car. This attachment means shown is mounted on the plate [0 and comprises a plurality of screw threaded shafts 65 passing through cylindrical tubes 66 rigidly The tubes 68 are not screw threaded internally. Their internal diameter is greater than the diameter of the shafts 65 and consequently they slidably receive said shafts. The lower ends of the shafts have enlarged portions 68 provided with hook members 69 which are adapted to rise together with the shafts until they abut against the under surface of the topof the tank car immediately surrounding the manhole opening therein. The

enlarged portions 68 are slldably supported by a.

track member '10 which may be integral with the housing 23 or rigidly secured thereto. The upper -ends of the shafts 65 are provided with handle members l2 rigidly secured thereto, and these handle members 12 are always disposed in a position similar to the position of the hook members 69 so that they serve to indicate the position of the hook members. After the hook members have been drawn against the under side of the tank car top, they are secured in place by tightening the lock nuts 13.

All tank cars do not have manhole openings of the same size and this arrangement permits the cleaning unit tobe rigidly but detachably seor any other suitable means.

cured in tank cars regardless of the size of the manhole openings therein.

A'second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 7, 8, and 9 of the drawings. In this embodiment the step by step movement of the nozzles described in connection with the first embodiment is obtained by a slightly different arrangement and the turning of the nozzle assembly is efiected by anelectric or other motor entirely independent of the incoming cleaning fluid.

Referring now to Fig. '7, the reference character IIO indicates a plate on which is mounted a framework or yoke H2. A motor II t which may be electric or operated by any suitable power is mounted on the plate III).

The driven shaft lit of the motor is connected directly to a worm gear IIt which meshes with the gear I20. This gear IZII is supported by a thrust bearing I22 and is pinned or keyed to the shaft I28 which turns freely in the bearing sleeve I 26. This bearing sleeve I25 passes through an aperture in the plate III! and is braced by an apertured block I 26. A pinion It'td mounted on the lower end of the shaft I26 which extends below the bearing sleeve I26 meshes. with the gear I32. The ratio between the pinion and the gear is such that a speed reduction of 5 to l is effected.

The gear I32 is secured by means of cap screws to a split collar I3 l which in turn is clamped to a cylindrical tube I36 by means of the bolts I38 When the motor is operated, this tube I35 is caused by the gear train to rotate slowly about its vertical axis. The

entire weight of the rotating unit held by the cylindrical tube I36 is supported by a. radial thrust bearing Idd held by an annular ridge I62 on a circular plate I III. This plate M l also serves as the base of a housing the sides of which are formed by a cylindrical member M6. The housing is held in position by means of bolts I 38 connecting the plate III and the plate I6 5.

' Reference character I58 represents an outer stationary tube which is co,-axial with the tube I36 and is held by an annular flange I62 which extends downwardly from the plate Md. This outer stationary tube Ibt supports a cam Ifid and also tends to minimize any side thrust of the rotating unit. A threaded sleeve I56 brazed to the rotating cylindrical tube I36 at its lower end passes up in between this rotating tube I35 and the'stationary tube I50 to form a bearing. An elbow I53 is screw threaded or otherwise secured 'on the lower end of the sleeve I56. This elbow is provided with a laterally extending flange Itil onwhic'h is mounted two bearings I62 in which the shaft I66 is rotatably mounted. A six toothed sprocket I64 is pinned to the shaft I66 at its upper end. Reference numeral I66 represents a worm gear also pinned on the shaft I66 to mesh with gear I10. As the sprocket is turned this gear I10 forms a thrust bearing with the shoulder I12 on the fitting H4. The gear I10 is held in place by bolts I16 which secure it to the shoulder I18 on fitting I80. Secured to this :fltting I80 by means of screw threads or in any other suitable manner is a T-ioint I32 into which the nozzles I84 are screwed. Nozzles having tips disposed angularly from the axis of the stream have been found to retard the speed of the stream. The tips of the nozzles in this arrangement are therefore made co-axial with the path of the stream.

From the description given above it should be r apparent that when the motor is drlvento rotate the cylindrical tube I36 about its vertical axis, the elbow I53, fittings I'll and I80, shaft I66, T-joint I82 and the nozzles I64 will also rotate with the tube about this vertical axis which is indicated by the reference character I86.

. Moreover, each time the nozzle unit rotates about this axis, one of the six teeth of the sprocket I64 strikes the knife edge of the cam I 54. This contact causes a rotation of the sprocket wheel to the extent of of a revolution, as in the first embodiment, and this rotation of the sprocket wheel causes the worm gear I68 to turn gear I'It and the gear IIll. Thus the entire speed reduc tion is from 300 to 1. Therefore, each time the unit turns once about the vertical axis I86 the nozzles turn 1/300 of a revolution about the horizontal axis I88. The approximate rate of movement of the rotating tube I36 is 5 R. P. M while the rotation of the nozzles about theaxis I83 is approximately 1/60 R. P. M. i

The cleaning fluid used may be of any type. The parts revolve very slowly, as in theflrst modiflcation, and therefore require no lubrication. It is thus possible to use an extremely hot cleaning solution of a non-solvent nature. The fluid is pumped from a tank (not shown) under a pressure of from 75 to 125 pounds and enters the arrangement by means of a flexible tube Idd (see Fig. 9) which is screw threaded or otherwise detachably secured to the elbow I92. Entering this elbow the fluid passes down through i a stationary sleeve I65 which forms a sliding fitwith the rotating cylindrical tube I 35.

The sleeve IQI is secured to the block I95 secured to the plate H0. The solution continues through the rotating tube I36 which may be of any convenient length, through the elbow fitting I58, through fittings I14, Itt and joint I82, and thus into thenozzles I8II.

It will be noted that the passageway for the fluid is unobstructed and of substantially equal cross sectional area so that the speed of the fluid is not reduced by the device.

Most all tank cars are provided with threaded man-holes of standard size. In the drawings of this embodiment the device is shown as adapted for insertion into such a manhole. As shown in Fig. I the plate III! has secured thereto by suitable means an annular ring I96 having a downwardly extending flange I38 provided with threads. Fig. 9 illustrateshow this feature operates. The reference numeral 200 represents the bottom of the tank of a tank car while the top is indicated by 202. The aperture in the top is edged by an annular 'ring I08 provided with screw threads adaptedto receive the threads of the ring I86. Where the holes on tank cars are not of standard size, clamps or other adjustable arrangements such as that shown in Figs. 1,2, and 3 may be used to secure the device.

So that the arrangement may be moved about easily provision may be made for attaching the arrangement to a block and tackle. As shown in Figs. 7 and 9, a tackle ring 206 is supported cured to the plate iid. When cleaning stationary tanks of large size it is frequently possible to string one or more cables across the tank directly under the cover and to move the arrangement from one part of the tank to another by means oi such cables.

Large tanks often have several manhole open-v ings in the top thereof and where this is the case cleaning of the tanks by the invention is further facilitated.

in prior known arrangements no provision was made for changing the position of the cleaning apparatus at will. Thus, it was impossible to clean large stationary tanks thereby. The surfaces in such tanks are often from 100 to 150 feet apart and streams eminating from one point within the tank are naturally inadequate. With the present invention the unit may be moved, by means indicated above, to various points oi. suspension within a tank. The first proper point is beneath the center of the roof of the tank, the second at the end of anydlameter of a round tank, on the outer circular-wall where it joins the roof; and the third at the base of the outer wall directly under thesecond point. Each point of suspension may be attached to the unit by'a light block and tackle by the simple manipulation of which the machine may be set in any position, relative to the surfaces to be cleaned.

In circular tanks the invention described will clean a circle of from 800 to 1500 square feet at one setting of the blocks. liiven with tanks having a capacity of from 50,000 to 85,000 barrels, only the services 01 two men are required to effeet a complete cleaning. Theoperation consists in leaving the machine at the first location (usually cleaning a 30 foot diameter circleon the roof), until the circle is clean and then in moving it to the next location and so on until all surfaces of the tank are clean. A labor saving of about may thus be efiected.

Obviously a suitable track (not shown) or other suitable means may be provided. upon which the arrangement can be moved within a tank.

It is sometimes an advantage to provide an indicator for the purpose of counting the revolutimes of the shaft 52%. Any suitable indicator may be provided such as the one. illustrated in Fig. 7. This is comprised of a plate 368 which is secured to the top of shaft I26 and each side of which is provided with a contrasting color. When motive power is used which is controlled by means of a needle valve or other variable means, the speed of the equipment can be readily ascertained and therefore controlled by counting the revolutions of the indicator mentioned. Under normal operating conditions its speed should be about 15 revolutions per minute. Such a counting mechanism can also be used with the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-6 inclusive.

So slow is the rotation of the cylindrical tube use about its axis E86 and the rotation of the nozzles to about the horizontal axis I88, that no lubricant is required. Consequently as mentioned above, it is possible in this arrangement to utilize a very hot cleaning solution which in faster operating devices would be extremely detrimental since it would destroy the lubricant.

when the device has been positioned in. a container or tank to be cleaned, it will be apparent that regardless of the position of the nozzles oi both embodiments the two streams of solution directed therefrom will clean separate paths about the interior of the container or tank.

other nozzle will clean a path slightly lower than previously. Because of this very slight change in the position of the nozzles about the horizontal axis, the areas covered by each successive concentric circle formed by the ejected streams overlap each other.

As a practical example of this operation, suppose that either of the arrangements shown is lowered into a tank car, and that the nozzles are in a vertical position when so lowered. Inasmuch as they are somewhat removed from the center of the equipment, the first revolution will cause them to clean two small circles, one at the top of the tank car and one at the bottom. After the first revolution," the nozzles are inclined slightly from the vertical because of the action of the web 63 on the sprocket fi'l in the first embodiment and the action of the cam its on the sprocket I64 in the second, and the second path of cleaning streams is slightly larger in diameter. This continues until the nozzles are in a horizontal position at which point both streams follow the same path about the interior of the tank car. Since each path has overlapped the previous one, the entire interior surface of the tank car is covered by this wiping action. In other words, the device directs two streams in continuous circular paths which constantly increase in size, the path of each stream always overlapping the preceding path while also coveringa. new area which has not been cleaned. This action is most important where a water cleaning soiution is used. 011 the first revolutionthe water cleaning solution thins and partially emulsifies the heavy oily deposit, and this deposit on the succeeding revolution is entirely removed or pushed forward scum by streams that continually cross each,

other as directed by prior art arrangements. In

- the present device this type oi dirt or scum is entirely removed by the two streams because it is literally pushed, ofi the metal surface being cleaned on thesame principle as that employed in cleaning a surface by pushing a putty knife thereover and prying the deposit loose. Also analogous to the present method is the cleaning of a street or floor with a hose. If the spray from the hose is directed haphazardly over the surface to be cleaned, no eiiective cleaning can be accomplished since dirt and scum which may be loosened is pushed backward and forward over portions of the surface already cleaned. If, however, the stream is directed systematically in such a manner that it moves from side to side and progressively forward, the dirt is pushed ahead of the stream and a complete cleaning is thereby efiected.

Practical tests have shown that with the method and apparatus described above wherein the path of the stream is moved comparatively slowly, the entire surface may be cleaned much more quickly and satisfactorily than in arrangements employing fast moving nozzles. Moreover, the present arrangement is the first one by means of which the entire interior surface of a tank ot'any size may be eflectively cleaned.

The automatic efiicient apparatus described to illustrate the invention is only by way of example and the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Having now described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patcut is:

1. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a plurality of nozzles radially extending from a central point and disposed in a common plane, a passageway connected to said nmzles for delivering fluid under pressure thereto, means for slowly rotating said nozzles about an aids spaced from but parallel to their common plane, and means for rotating said nozzles more slowly about an axis dis-- mood substantially at right angles to said first mentioned aids, the relationship between the two rotary movements being such that said nozzles define a substantially spiral path.

2. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a pair of oppositely directed nozzles, a passageway for cleaning fluid connected to smd nozzles, means for slowly rotating said. nozzles about an axis parallel to the plane of the nozzles but spaced therefrom,

and means for rotating said nozzles more slowly about an axis disposed t. tially at right anglee to said first named axis, the relationship between the two rotary movements being such that said nozzles define a substantially spiral path.

3. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a pair of opposimly directed nozzles, a passageway connected to said nozzles for delivering cleaning fluid under pressure thereto, fluid turbine means disposed in said passageway to be driven by the incoming cleaning fluid, means connected with said fluid turbine means for slowly rotating said nozzles about an axis parallel to the plane of the nozzles but spaced therefrom, and means for rotating said nozzles more slowly about an axis osed substantially at right angles to said first named axis, the relationship between the two rotary movements being such that said nozzles define a substantially spiral path. I

4; Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces oi tanks and the like comprising; a pair of oppositely directed nozzles, a pasageway connected to said nozzles for delivering cleaning fluid under pressure thereto, means independent of said cleaning fluid for slowly rotating said nozzles about an axis parallel to the plane of the nozzles but spaced therefrom, and means for rotating said nozzles more slowly about an axis disposed substantially at right angles to said first namedaxis, the relationship between the two rotary movements being such that said nozzles define a substantially spiral path.

5. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a tube adapted to belowered into a tank, a pair of oppositely directed nozzles disposed in a plane parallel to that of the axis of said tube and connected mousse slowly about an axis substantially at right angles to the axis of said tube, the relationship between the two rotary movements being such that said nozzles define a substantially spiral path.

6. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a plurality of nozzles'radially extending from a central hub and whose axes are disposed in a common plane, means for supplying a cleaning fluid under pressure to said hub, means for slowly rotating said nozzles about an axis spaced from but substantially parallel to their common planaand means for rotating said nozzles more slowly about the axis of said hub, the relationship between the two rotary movements being such that said nozzles define a substantially spiral path.

7. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks or the like comprising, a tube, means connecting said tube with a source of supply of cleaning solution under pressure, means for rototing said tube about its longitudinal axis, a pair of oppositely directed nozzles disposed in a plane 8. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks or the like, comprising, a tube, means connecting said tube with a source of supply of cleaning solution under pressure, means for rotating said tube about its longitudinal axis, a pair of oppositely directed nozzles disposed in a plane parallel to the axis of said tube, means connecting said nozzles to said tube tobe rotated therewith about said axis, and automatic means operative upon each rotation of said nozzles about said axis to rotate said nozzles partially about an axis substantially at right angles to said firstv mentioned axis,'said means comprising a statlonary element, a sprocket adapted to be turned by said element upon each rotation of said nozzles about the axis of said tube, a worm driven by said sprocket, and a gear driven by said worm, the axis of said gear being co-axial with said second axis and secured to said nozzles.

9. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a support, a motor mounted on said support, a cylindrical inlet tube supported in an aperture in said support and extending downwardly therefrom, a cylindrical tube co-axialwith said first tube and surrounding the same to form a sliding connection, a gear secured to said second tube, a gear train driven by said motor and connected to said gear for rotating said second cylindrical tube, a housing suspended from complete, thrust'bearings in said housing for supporting said gear and said second mentioned tube, a third tube depending from said housing and surrounding said rotatable tube, a cam mounted on said third tube, an elbow secured to the lower end of said rotatable tube, a fitting secured to said elbow, said fitting having an annular flange at its outer end, a second fitting disposed adjacent said first fitting, said second fitting having an annular flange on its inner end adjacent the flange on said first fitting, said second flange being of greater diameter than said first fiange, a ring gear surrounding said first flange and secured to said second flange, said ring gear having an inwardly extending ring adjacent that side of the first flange nearest said elbow, a T-joint secured to said second fitting, a pair of oppositely disposed nozzles mounted in said T- joint, said nozzles being in 'a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of said rotatable tube, and extending radially from an axis substantially at right angles to said first mentioned axis, and sprocket means supported by said elbow and actuated by said cam upon-rotation of said rotatable tube, for tuning said ring gear to turn said nozzles slowly about said second mentioned axis.

10. Apparatus for cleaning the interior.sur-

faces of tanks and the like comprising, a support, a motor mounted on said support, a cylindrical inlet tube supported in an aperture in said support and extending downwardly therefrom, a cylindrical tube co-axial with said firsttube and surrounding the same toform a sliding connection, a gear secured to said second tube, a gear train driven by said motor and connected to said gear for rotating said second cylindrical tube, a housing suspended from said plate, thrust bearings in said housing for supporting said gear and said second mentioned tube, a third tube depending from said housing and surrounding said rotatable tube, a cam mounted on said third tube, an elbow secured to the lower end of said rotatable tube, a fitting secured to 'said elbow, said fitting having an annular flange at its outer end, a second fitting disposed adjacent said first fitting, said second fitting having an annular flange on its inner end adjacent the flange on said first fitting, said second flange, being of greater diameter than said first flange, a ring gear surrounding said first flange and secured to said second flange, said ring gear having an inwardly extending ring adjacent that side of the first flange nearest said elbow, a T-joint secured to said second fitting, a pair of oppositely disposed nozzles mounted in said T-joint, said nozzles being in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of said rotatable tube, and extending radially from an axis substantially at right angles to said first mentioned axis, and sprocket inlet tube, second cylindrical tube, third tube,

elbow, fittings and T-joint being unrestricted and having substantially equal cross-sectional 55 areas.

11. Apparatus for cleaning theinterior surfaces of tanks or the like comprising, a tube adapted to be lowered into the tank, means for rotating said tube about its longitudinal axis at the rate of 5B. P. M., a pair of oppositely directed nozzles disposed in a plane parallel to the axis or said tube and connected to said tube by a passageway, said nozzles extending laterally from an axis substantially at right angles to the axis of said tube, and means controlled by the rotation of said nozzles about the axis of said tube for rotating said nozzles about said other mentioned axis at the rate of 1/60 R. P. M.

12. Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tanks and the like comprising, a support, a yoke mounted on said support, a ring secured to said yoke, a rotatable tube disposed beneath said support, a fluid inlet passing through of said first flange nearest to said elbow, a second fitting disposed adjacent said first fitting and co-axial therewith, said second fitting having a flange of larger diameter than the flange on said said first fitting, means for connecting said gear to the flange on said second fitting, a pair of nozzles extending radially from the axis of said fittings and disposed in a plane parallel to the axis of said rotatable tube, a stationary cam, a pair of bearings secured to said elbow anddisposed laterally to said fittings, a worm gear adapted to mesh with said ring gear and mounted on a shaft mounted in said bearing, a sprocket mounted on said shaft, said sprocket being adapted upon rotation of said nozzles said fittings and said elbow about the axis of said rotatable tube to. be moved by said cam, whereby said nozzles are rotated about the axis of said fittings.

I 13. Apparatus for cleaning the interior sur-v facesof tanks and the like comprising a nozzle radially extending from a central point, a passage-way connected to said nozzle for delivering fluid under pressure thereto, means for slowly rotating said nozzle about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of said nozzle and more rapidly about an axis substantially perpendicular to said first axis, the relationship between the two rotary movements being 'such that said nozzle'deflnes a substantially spiral path.

LE BARON B. JOHNSON. 

